What’s in my pack? - Trail Running in the Rockies

I’ve had the pleasure of cruising around on some of finest trails in the Rockies for years. Some of my favorites includes the Northover Ridge in Kananaskis, the Rockwall in Kootenay National Park, and Iceline in the Yoho Valley. Deciding what to bring on outings like these can be a challenging blend between staying light on the feet while yet retaining an adequate margin to stay safe and comfortable. As someone obsessive over the gear I use, I am often looking for the simplest possible design that will serve it’s intended purpose without fail. Below is a view into the kit I may pack with me when heading out for a long day out on trails.

Gear:

1. Running Pack: For longer runs where I’ll be out for more than few hours, I’ll use the Slope Runner Endurance Vest. The vest nicely carries all the kit for big days out on the trails like a rain jacket, a warm layer, Zoleo, bear spray, etc.

2. Headlamp: Petzl IKO core with a spare battery. Bright enough for night running. Light enough to always have with me at only 80 grams. Easily fits in the side pocket of the Strider Pro shorts for evening runs or when I don’t want to bring a vest. I like the rechargeable batteries as in the winter I’ll easily be using the headlamp 3-4 days a week. 

3. Houdini: This is my go to jacket for most outings as it is incredibly light and comfortable to wear yet offers reasonable warmth/protection (for a 100 gram nylon shell!). I often bring this jacket for shorter outings where I’ll be going from the shelter of the trees up into the exposed alpine.

4. Storm Racer: If there is a possibility of precipitation I’ll usually bring the Storm Racer as it is a fully waterproof jacket but still only weighs in at about 200 grams.

5. Airshed: The Airshed pullover is nice for cooler temps when you’re working hard as it breathes really well. The hood is also a nice addition to keep the ears warm. The material dries incredibly fast! If it is really cold or I expect to have some time standing around I might bring along a Micro Puff jacket as it offers excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. 

6. Strider Pro pants: Nice lightweight pants to bring along during the shoulder seasons as they provide a surprising amount of warmth and only weigh 125 grams. Easy to put on and take off with your shoes on. For pre-dawn starts or when you’re going well into the night these are awesome. 

Strider Pro 7” shorts: By far my favorite running shorts. Extremely comfortable, long enough for me(I haven’t yet adopted the short shorts..), durable, lots of well thought out pockets that don’t allow things to bounce around, and I never seem to get chaffing from them. I can nicely fit my phone, keys, windbreaker, and even a headlamp into the short pockets.

7. Sunglasses: Sunski Velo glasses. Nothing fancy, just simple lightweight glasses that stay well secure to the face and have good coverage. Frames are made with recycled plastic which is a plus.  

8. Satellite Communication Device: I think that having some sort of emergency messaging device is an essential for the more remote trails in the Rockies. Many of the classic long trails like the Rockwall or Northover have extensive sections where cell phones do not work. Although trail running is relatively safe, shit happens. I use the Zoleo as it is very durable (doesn’t need an external carrying case to protect a screen), easy to use with a phone (I always have one with me anyway), and is a reasonable weight at 150 grams.

9. Poles: Depending on the run, I may bring along poles. Collapsible poles are a must and even better if they are carbon :) Having poles specific to trail running will make a big difference if you intend to use them often and for any longer than ultra events, as they are significantly lighter and more comfortable to use for long periods. My preferred way to carry poles is using a quiver that attaches to the back of the running pack. 

10. Footwear: Although it is possible to use the same pair of shoes for all your trail runs, I prefer to have a few pairs. If you’re running in the same set for everything they will only wear out faster, so I don’t really see the advantage. Lately I’ve been using three different models for more or less all my trail running (if you are road running, get road specific shoes). The Scarpa Spin 2.0 are my go to shoe most running as they are extremely comfortable, lightweight, and have proven to be very durable even with extensive exposure to sharp Rockies limestone. The new Pebax Renew midsole feels more responsive than the older Spins and doesn’t seem to wear out as quickly. For long runs or when I’m just looking for something a little more cushy, I’ll go for the Spin Infinity. These are a very similar shoe to the Spin 2.0 but with a thicker EVA midsole and stiffer. Last but not least, the new Golden Gate Kima RTs are an awesome shoe for true mountain running. These shoes are perfectly built for the steep and rugged trails. They are one of (maybe the only?) the only running shoes to have an integrated carbon plate coupled with a low stack height. The low stack height is key for technical running in order to keep your foot as close to the ground as possible. This keeps your foot stable and really helps avoid twisting your ankles on rugged terrain. 

11. First Aid Kit: Depending on the outing, I might bring along a space blanket and/or small first kit containing a high quality athletic tape.

12. Water Flask: Usually I bring a single 500 ml water flask with a BeFree water filter attached. Unless I expect to spend a full day above tree line, water sources are usually abundant.

13. Bear Spray: It is the Rockies. Never can go wrong packing bear spray!

14. Gloves: Super lightweight Capilene linear gloves.

Photo: Simon Lee